Tocht van Maurits naar Wesel tegen Spinola, 1620 1620

Nicolaes van Geelkercken created this print titled 'Tocht van Maurits naar Wesel tegen Spinola' in 1620. It captures a pivotal moment in Dutch history, amidst the Eighty Years' War. Geelkercken’s print serves as both a historical document and a form of propaganda, illustrating Prince Maurits' military campaign against the Spanish general Spinola. Note how the detailed maps of the cities and the strategic positioning of the troops and ships are portrayed with a sense of Dutch power. Consider how the print elevates the role of Prince Maurits, emphasizing his leadership and tactical genius. How does it downplay the human cost of war, presenting a somewhat sanitized version of military conflict? The artist invites us to consider not only the events of the time, but also the ways in which they were framed and understood by the Dutch public. The emotional resonance lies in its ability to evoke a sense of national pride.